Saltzman Sees...1939 was the Greatest Ever

The Best Picture award went to Gone with the Wind. It was an epic saga that forever raised the bar for movies. It was groundbreaking, it was controversial and it was even in color.  Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh were both marvelous, and Leigh won Best Actress for her performance.  Part 1 ends with Vivien Leigh shouting one of the most famous lines in movie history "If I have to lie, steal, cheat or kill. As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again." Part 2 ends even stronger with Clark Gable pronouncing, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn!"  The American Film Institute rated it the 4th greatest movie of All-Time in 1998.

The Wizard of Oz is my favorite movie of 1939, and one of the most wonderful portrayals of the famous tagline, "There's no place like home!"  Judy Garland gives the performace of her life as Dorothy. With the added strengths of Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr and Jack Haley as the Scarecrow, Lion and Tin Man respectively, this movie teaches us that the power of believing in yourself is as powerful as anything. The combonation of black & white film with color was mesmorizing at the time, and it captured the hearts of audiences.  It still resinates today as strongly as ever as one of the greatest movies ever made.  "Over the Rainbow" won the Academy Award for best original song. AFI ranked it 6th All-Time in 1998.

Director Frank Capra's Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is one of James Stewart's signature performances is his celebrated career.  It is one of the most inspirational political movies of All-Time.  It won the Academy Award for best original story, and it truly was an optimistic look into the government. Jean Arthur gives a terrific performance as Mr. Smith's aide. Stewart gives his blood, sweat and tears for his country in the climactic final scene.  AFI Ranked it 29th in 1998 and moved it to 26th in 2007.

Goodbye, Mr. Chips is the emotionally heartwarming story of a teacher who learned as much from his students and from life as he ever taught.  Robert Donat won the Oscar for best actor, beating James Stewart and Clark Gable.  Greer Garson was tremendous as Mrs. Chips and her performace made the movie even more memorable.  Despite being nominated by the AFI as one of it's top 100 of All-Time, Goodbye, Mr. Chips did not make the final cut.  It is truly one of the most underrated movies of All-Time. 

Dark Victory is one of Bette Davis' strongest performances in her illustious career.  In a story of eternal sadness, Davis is able to play the role tremendously.  From protecting herself from the pain of the truth to protecting the man she loves, it is truly one of the most romantic stories ever told.  Davis was nominated for Best Actress by the Academy, but the award went to Leigh for Gone With the Wind.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is translated beautifully to the screen with terrific performances by Burgess Meredith and Lon Chaney Jr. as George and Lennie respectively.  In a heart wrenching story of true friendship, Meredith and Chaney shine.  Of Mice and Men was nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Score.